About this project

$53,415

pledged of $30,000 goal

389

backers

What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

Hi, I’m a Pari! Well, my scientific name is actually Paribus huggus, but just Pari is fine. My job is to keep you connected to the ones you love the most, no matter where they are. I’m always connected to other Pari, just like me! We stay in touch through our hearts.

Add a layer of love to any text, phone call, or video call.

Hi! I’m a Pari too, and I live with Charlie, my owner. He is 7 and loves me lots. Charlie’s mom has to travel a lot for work, so whenever she goes away I keep Charlie company and pass hugs along from Mommy.

If Mommy has lots of space in her suitcase, she brings my twin Pari. When she gives her Pari a hug, I “purr” and let Charlie know Mom is hugging him.

If Charlie is also hugging me at the same time, Mom and Charlie will feel each other’s heartbeats over all of those miles! (I’m an expert at reading heartbeat data from fitbits and apple watches, but if you don’t have one or don’t want to share the data, I’ll just use some magic -- and guessing.)

Pari can bridge the distance between loved ones anywhere by delivering the closest thing to a real hug.

I’m Little Pari! I may be small, but I’ve got just as big a heart. Because I’m only 5” tall, Mommy can take me anywhere she goes. I can even hang on to a keychain! I have a small tag with a special code that allows Mommy to hug me from her mobile device when she can’t take big Pari with her.

**Note: Little Pari doesn't have electronics inside. The special code allows your mobile device to operate the paired Pari for when you are on the road. It is important for kids to see your Pari, so when you are Skyping home from your hotel room, your kids can still see Pari!

Pari is the absolute perfect hugger! His big snout rests over your shoulder, and his squishy body can take the hardest of squeezes. Pari’s zipper is tucked beneath him, so you feel the plush, not the zip!

Pari communicate with the Parihug app on your android or apple smart device. The app allows you to select who you’d like to hug, shows where they are in the world, and let's you send one another messages. The Parihug app is free and always will be!

Connecting your Pari to the internet is simple! All you need is an email address to sign up. You connect your smartphone to Pari via bluetooth, and he receives wifi. Once Pari is connected, he’s ready to go!

Don’t worry, no sensitive data is transferred between Pari, so you can hug with confidence. Pari does not contain any microphones or recording devices, meaning no identifiable data is stored. By using AA batteries rather than lithium-polymer batteries, Pari is not susceptible to the hazards inherent in those types of devices.

Pari is travel ready and will fly through security with ease! Without lithium-polymer batteries, Pari meets federal regulations and is TSA-approved.

Pari is easy to care for! Accidental spill? Grass stains? Sand? No problem. Just unzip Pari, remove the electronic box, and let him tumble in the wash. Pari doesn’t like the drier! It’s best to air dry him. Pari won’t lose power for several months and when he does, your phone will notify you when it’s time to change the batteries.

Pari has been prototyped closely with Cosmic Bobbins, an organization that works to create jobs in underserved populations through arts-based entrepreneurship, sewing education and outreach. During our first round of manufacturing, Parihug is committed to providing work to refugees is several steps of the process, thereby helping to give them marketable skills and a foundation to begin working in the US. Parihug’s promise is to ensure social sustainability in manufacturing whenever possible and to help people, whether it's those who are making or those who are investing in Pari.

Risks and challenges

With any product designed for use with children (as well as adults) there are extra hurdles as far as legal certifications and manufacturing standards. Although we have yet to complete certifications, we are working with a team of seasoned lawyers and manufacturers to make sure these go smoothly.

We want Parihug to be able to connect people and change lives. For that reason, we will continuously update our backers and offer transparency on our progress. More often than not, taking a product to market is a challenging, obstacle ridden path. We ask for your patience with us during this process, and should we face any problems in the supply chain, our backers will be the first to know.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $120 or more
About $120

Donate a Pari!

Even if you don’t need your own pair of Pari, we’d love for you to help us to make the world a better place. Make a pledge at this level to donate Pari to a charity, hospital, foundation, or family in need. The donation will be made in your name (should you choose), and when the campaign ends we’ll send you a survey so you can pick from a few options for where your donation will go, along with any special message you’d like Pari to pass along to his/her new owners.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,000 or more
About $3,000

Fly Xyla to a Classroom

Have our founder and engineer, Xyla, fly to you and teach a lesson on either engineering or entrepreneurship in your child's classroom! Xyla specialized in robotics and engineering education before she started Parihug.